The fish population in the pacific is in a critical condition, population numbers as well as the diversity of species has suffered intensely over the past 5 years. As well as marine life suffering, so are their habitats and this illegal and over-exerted trade is contributing heavily environmental degradation in the pacific. Our project is focused on providing the training, resources and equipment for local community members to continue monitoring and preserving the habitats as well as working to combat the illegal trade through outreach

Fishing in the Pacific is a huge industry and exports up to 400 million Fijian dollars worth of fish annually. 5 years ago domestic authorised fishing boats would catch around 200 Tuna a day and today 75% of the operators have stopped fishing while the few that remain only catch around 15-20 a day. Due to mismanagement and the increasing illegal fishing around the pacific, the waters are in a critical condition and fish stocks are becoming unsustainable. This project is working with key members across the pacific to help tackle the illegal trade.

The reefs are the main source of protein for the communities that live on the island & therefore are under a great deal of fishing pressure and prone to habitat destruction. To ensure that there are fishing stocks for future generations, the local community understand that they must protect certain areas of the reef. To act as a habitat for reef creatures to thrive in, a protected area must fulfil certain criteria, be closed to fishing and be used in a non-destructive manner.

Working with the local authorities and communities this project engages the local communities around the pacific and Fijian Islands to identify areas with critically low fish populations and train local people to assist with data collection. Alongside this training and development program to up-skill the local community, we will also be running an outreach program with local partners to build awareness, understanding and help re-train local fisherman.

This project engages the local communities around the Fijian Islands and neighbouring countries to identify areas with a critically low fish population in the ocean and train local people to assist with data collection. Alongside this training and development program to up-skill the local community, we will also be running an outreach program with local partners to build awareness, understanding and help re-train local fisherman.